Emergency funding for Fort McMurray wildfire evacuees ends Oct. 31

Emergency funding for people evacuated from Fort McMurray during the May wildfire will end Oct. 31, the Alberta government said Monday.

Some 96,000 Wood Buffalo evacuees have been helped with funding totalling nearly $100 million, the government said in a news release. Each adult evacuee is entitled to $1,250 from the province, while children under 18 are eligible for $500.

The emergency funding was intended to cover immediate housing needs and day-to-day purchases and to limit out-of-pocket expenses. Evacuees have to provide government identification, proof of residency, and must be registered with the Red Cross in order to get the money.

Municipal Affairs Minister Danielle Larivee said it's now time for the government to shift its focus from short-term to long-term supports for people affected by the wildfire.

"As a province and a government we have stood with and supported the residents of Wood Buffalo," Larivee said in the news release.

"Having to flee your home and leave your belongings behind is incredibly hard and we reached out quickly to ensure evacuees had financial assistance to help them through this difficult time. I know it made a real difference to families struggling because of this devastating disaster."

Eligible Albertans who haven't yet applied for relief funding have until Oct. 31 to apply. They can visit Alberta Works Centres online.